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Rolling Stones unreleased:It’s Cold Down There
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas, Jan. 18-Feb. 12 1979 (Emotional Rescue sessions)
From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012: A repetitive reggae calypso beat played on guitar and the symbol work of Charlie Watts are the sounds that assault you on this number. Another guitar enters the track and Mick Jagger joins in la-la-ing on unfinished lyrics.
Unearthed Vibes: The Rolling Stones Go Tropical and Loose
It’s Cold Down There might be one of the most ironic titles in The Rolling Stones’ unreleased catalog. Recorded during the Emotional Rescue sessions at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas (Jan. 18–Feb. 12, 1979), the track carries a breezy, sun-drenched feel that’s anything but cold. Right from the start, Charlie Watts’ cymbal play sets a loose, lazy mood while a repetitive calypso-reggae riff pulses steadily on guitar. There’s no rush here—just a laid-back island groove unfolding in its own sweet time. Then, like a casual wave from the beach, another guitar slips in and Mick Jagger’s voice floats on top, not so much singing as la-la-ing over lyrics that were clearly still in progress. The whole thing feels like a jam session caught on tape—rough, unpolished, and totally authentic. It’s not a chart hit, but a snapshot of the Stones experimenting without pressure, enjoying the vibe of the moment.
Loose Ends and Cool Energy from the Compass Point Tapes
What makes It’s Cold Down There stand out isn’t complexity or lyrical depth—it’s the mood. It’s one of those buried gems where you hear the band not aiming for greatness, just letting themselves explore. The Compass Point Studios in Nassau gave the band space to breathe, and that atmosphere seeps into the track’s DNA. Keith Richards’ guitar blends with Mick’s relaxed vocals in a way that feels intimate and unfiltered. Though the song never made the final cut for Emotional Rescue, it lives on in Stones lore as one of those curious, unfinished ideas that still carries a whole vibe. If you’re a fan of their looser, off-the-cuff material, this one’s a must-hear bootleg treasure.
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